Asian Elephants as Agricultural Pests: Damages, Economics of Control and Compensation in Sri Lanka

Despite growing attention to crop and property damage caused by the Asian elephant, uncertainty exists about the magnitude of this problem. This paper explores the nature and magnitude of this problem of Sri Lanka. An economic analysis of individual farmers’ decisions to control elephants is provided. Government policies to assist farmers to cope with the elephant pest problem are assessed. Appropriate compensation schemes for farmers are seen as potentially more effective for conserving elephants in Sri Lanka than legal prohibitions on killing of elephants. Issues raised have wider relevance than merely to Sri Lanka or Asian elephants